WRITING TIPS

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Watch for typos! You want to be sure the employer can get in touch with you easily.
Make sure your name is at the top. There is no need to write "Resumé".
Don't include personal information such as your birth date or marital status.

This section summarizes your resumé. It should grab the employer's attention.
Focus on your skills, training, professional qualities and experience that are related to the job you are applying for.
Be concise and include important keywords!

List your qualifications according to activity type. This will give the employer a clear idea of what you can do.
Have you got a wide range of skills? This section will help you put them all front and centre.
Are you looking for a career change? Make sure you include your "transferable skills" (those you can use in your new line of work). For example, you might want to highlight your communication skills.

List your work experience, starting with the most recent.
Include the name of the company, the position you held and how long you worked there.
No need to explain all your tasks.
Keep it relevant. There's no need to mention jobs you held long ago that aren't related to the job you are applying for now.
You can also include your professional achievements for each position (or just some positions). For example:

Head Chef 1996-1998
Sweet Life Restaurant

Accomplishments:
- Created and implemented new inventory management norms, which lowered operational costs by 12%.
- Implemented new staff management norms and work schedules, which resulted in a significant reduction in staff turnover

List your programs of study, starting with the most recent.
Include the degree or certificate received, the name of the college or university, and the year you graduated.
Even if you haven't completed a program, mention it anyway. For example, you can put "Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, 15 credits completed". Include the year you took the courses and where.
If you have attended conferences, courses or seminars related to your work, save them for the Professional Development section.

List all the courses you've taken to keep up-to-date in your field.
Include the course title, the name of the organization that offered it, and the year you attended.

Mention community or professional activities you have participated in (activities with your professional organization, board meetings, etc.). Specify your role, the name of the organization and the year you participated.